As a youngster I spent most of my childhood in Mapledurham village and attended what was then the local primary school.
Although now a private dwelling, the original school and its original bell still sits proudly in place and can be seen as you drive through the narrow lane to the village, passing on your right hand side, next to the village hall.
As a school boy, on the walk from the school to St Margaret’s church, which was a weekly event, the Teacher would take us through the woods, passing what we were believed to be called, the Statue of Remorse.
I say believed because the villagers of bygone years tell a tale of a mistaken identity leading to a wrongful death and a remorseful act.
The story goes that around the time of 1800’s a gentry of Mapledurham house had mistakenly accused the butler of having an affair with his wife. In a state of uttermost distress and anger he took his sword to the butler causing fatal injuries. Upon uncovering the truth, that his wife’s lover was not the butler but indeed another unknown male, he had the statue built, placing it on the hill overlooking and facing towards the house and grounds as a mark of respect and to show his remorse. The statue is also referred to as ‘PAN’ the god of woods, and sometimes old palm he represents the river Thames.